Kazakhstan–Czech Business Forum Held in Astana with the Participation of the Prime Ministers of the Two Countries

On April 28, 2026, Astana hosted the Kazakhstan–Czech Business Forum with the participation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš. The event was also attended by the Chairman of the Board of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken” Kanat Sharlapayev and the Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan Murat Karimsakov.

The forum brought together representatives of government agencies, business communities, investors, and companies from Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic. The program included speeches by the heads of delegations of both countries, a panel session, a ceremony for the exchange of signed documents, as well as bilateral B2B meetings.

The participation of Kanat Sharlapayev highlighted the role of the Atameken National Chamber in promoting the interests of Kazakhstani businesses, developing international cooperation, and expanding opportunities for domestic entrepreneurs in foreign markets. The Chamber systematically contributes to attracting investment, developing export potential, and building sustainable business ties with international partners.

Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic demonstrate steady positive dynamics in trade and economic cooperation: by the end of 2025, bilateral trade reached USD 705.1 million, increasing by 13.57%. Exports amounted to USD 121.3 million, while imports totaled USD 583.8 million. In January–February 2026, mutual trade volume reached USD 94.4 million.

Kazakhstan’s exports to the Czech Republic are dominated by oil and petroleum products, ferroalloys, metals, and chemical products, including uranium and hydrocarbon raw materials. The Czech Republic supplies Kazakhstan with high value-added products such as transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, and industrial machinery, forming a complementary model of cooperation.

According to the Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan Murat Karimsakov, the gross inflow of direct investment from the Czech Republic to Kazakhstan amounted to USD 431 million between 2005 and 2025. In 2025 alone, the figure reached USD 59 million, marking a 39% increase. Around 140 enterprises with Czech capital are currently operating in Kazakhstan. Key partners include Skoda, PPF, Omnipol, Tatra, Czechoslovak Group, Zimatechnik, Ferrit, Zetor, Primoco UAV, JK Machinery, Farmet, PBS Group, and others. Joint projects are being implemented in mechanical engineering, aviation, logistics, industry, and the agro-industrial sector.

Among the successful cases are the SKD assembly project of Skoda vehicles in the Kostanay region, cooperation with the Omnipol Group in modernization and supply of aviation equipment, deliveries of Tatra special machinery, and the modernization of a malt plant in the city of Tekeli with the participation of Soufflet InVivo. Currently, new initiatives are being developed, including cooperation with Czechoslovak Group and projects with Skoda Transportation.

Kazakhstan–Czech relations are not limited to the economy; active cultural, humanitarian, educational, and tourism exchanges have been established between the two countries. Approximately 20,000 Kazakh tourists visit the Czech Republic annually. In addition, the Czech Republic has become a popular destination for Kazakhstani students seeking European education (around 3,000 students).

Following the forum, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding trade and economic cooperation, developing industrial collaboration, and strengthening direct ties between the business communities of Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.